THE SUBURBS OF Willowdale became the unlikely canvas for an exhibition of installation art recently.
The Leona Drive Project, named for the road it’s located on near Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue, brought more than 20 artists to the area for a unique contemporary multi-media art show to be displayed in boardedup houses set for redevelopment.
Janine Marchessault, co-curator of the exhibition, said the idea for the project came two years ago when she and her students were studying urban cultures in Willowdale.
The show examines the post-war suburban community and its ideological differences and similarities to the higher-density developments that are scheduled to be built on the lots.
“We thought this could be an interesting way of looking at the old and the new suburb. And what if we curated an art exhibition in one of these groupings of houses?”
Participating artists include Robin Collyer, a photography-based artist and a Willowdale resident of 30 years. Students at the Claude Watson School for the Arts will also show work. Round-table discussions about urban planning, history and Willowdale are also planned.